Our picks for best non-alcoholic wines were: for best non-alcoholic white wine was Giesen Sauvignon Blanc; best non-alcoholic red wine was Joyus Cabernet Sauvignon; best non-alcoholic sparkling wine was Prima Pavé Blanc de Blancs; and, best non-alcoholic sparkling rosé wine was Surley Sparkling Rosé.

Our very good friends are sober (and still throw the best parties btw) so every time we go over there we’re made a very delicious non-alcoholic drink. We actually look forward to a sober evening with friends. It’s already in our head before we arrive that there’s no alcohol, and we still have a great time (gasp!).  

In honor of Dry January, they decided to have a wine tasting party, with all non-alcoholic wines of course. And, as that is our specialty, we planned everything from the invitations and the tasting guides to the pairings and the fun party games. 

Each couple brought two wines to share. We tasted non-alcoholic sparkling wines, white wines, rosé wines and red wines. Everyone picked a favorite in each category and then an overall favorite.

Let me tell you folks, the results were SHOCKING!

Giesen Sauvignon Blanc

Price: Under $20

There were once three brothers traveling down a lonely winding road at twilight… or was it midnight? Anyhow, three brothers, Theo, Alex, and Marcel, from Marlborough, New Zealand (the Sauvignon Blanc Mecca) started the winery in the 1980s and today have 13 vineyards covering the Wairau Valley in Marlborough. 

Giesen’s Alcohol Removed Sauvignon Blanc has won numerous awards and is made from grapes grown in these sunny Marlborough vineyards, known for their ideal conditions for producing crisp, refreshing Sauvignon Blancs.

Alcohol Level: <.5%

Calories per serving: Only 15!!

Why we love Giesen Sauvignon Blanc: This is the best tasting nearest-to-the-real-thing non-alcoholic white wine we’ve ever tasted. In fact, after my first sip I had to check to make sure. My new favorite way to sip this wine will be while in my front porch swing.

Giesen Sauvignon Blanc tasting notes: On the palate, it is crisp and refreshing with a bright acidity. Bright flavors of green apple, grapefruit and green pepper. So freaking deliscious.

Where you can find it: Giesen Sauvignon Blanc is widely available in wine stores, grocery stores, and online retailers. And certainly, you can also find it at the Giesen winery in Marlborough, New Zealand.

Best food pairing with Giesen Sauvignon Blanc: Fresh Shellfish, such as mussels or clams, steamed in a simple tomato, garlic and fresh herb broth with a touch of chili pepper.

We paired ours with smoked trout dip on a pita cracker.

Giesen Sauvignon Blanc was the best non-alcoholic white wine we tasted.

Jøyus Cabernet Sauvignon

Price: Under $30

Jøyus is a California-based company founded in 2018 by wine industry veterans who wanted to create delicious non-alcoholic wines that people could enjoy in any situation. 

They use a proprietary dealcoholization process that gently removes the alcohol from the wine while preserving its flavor and aroma.

Jøyus Cabernet Sauvignon has won several awards, including, Silver Medal at the 2022 San Francisco International Wine Competition (SFIWC) – the highest award ever given to a non-alcoholic red wine at this prestigious competition, Gold Medal at the 2022 International Wine Challenge (IWC) – the first non-alcoholic wine to win a gold medal at the IWC. Best in Class at the 2022 BevCon Non-Alcoholic Awards.

Y’all, these awards are a big deal. This was not a non-alcoholic wine competition this is THE wine competition.

Jøyus Cabernet Sauvignon is a good choice if you enjoy the taste of Cabernet Sauvignon but want to avoid alcohol, are looking for a low-calorie and low-sugar wine option, are pregnant or breastfeeding, are on medication that interacts with alcohol or want to participate in Dry January or Sober October.

Alcohol Level: <.5%

Calories per serving: 25

Why we love Jøyus Cabernet Sauvignon: It’s a dealcoholized Cabernet Sauvignon wine that’s vegan, gluten-free, and non-GMO. Woman owned and so sophisticated. 

Jøyus Cabernet Sauvignon tasting notes: Jøyus Cabernet Sauvignon has a deep ruby color and aromas of black cherry, plum, and oak. On the palate, it is full-bodied and dry with well-balanced tannins, smoke and a hint of vanilla.

Where you can find it: Jøyus Cabernet Sauvignon is available online and at select retailers nationwide. You can find it on the Jøyus website, as well as at some grocery stores, wine shops, and natural food stores.

Best food pairing with Jøyus Cabernet Sauvignon: Savory pizzas: pairing Jøyus with a pizza topped with bold ingredients like chorizo, sausage, caramelized onions, or roasted peppers. The wine’s smoky notes will complement the savory toppings, creating a delicious harmony.

Joyos Cabernet Sauvignon was the best non-alcoholic red wine we tasted.

Grüvi Alcohol-Free Dry Red Blend

Price: 4 packs under $15

Grüvi is a California-based company founded in 2018 by Robyn and Ariel Stern, two moms seeking delicious and healthy non-alcoholic beverage options.

They are committed to using high-quality, natural ingredients and innovative dealcoholization processes to create wines that are both satisfying and guilt-free.

Grüvi’s Dry Red Blend has indeed garnered accolades, including, 92 Points from Non-Alcoholic Wine Awards 2023, Gold Medal at the 2022 International Wine Challenge, and Best Non-Alcoholic Red at the 2021 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition.

Alcohol Level: <.5%

Calories per serving: each can is 45 calories

Why we love Grüvi Alcohol-Free Dry Red Blend: Gruuvi is vegan, gluten-free, and Kosher-certified, and we love the sleek cans. Perfect for picnics! 

Grüvi Alcohol-Free Dry Red Blend tasting notes: A vibrant ruby red hue. An aroma of juicy berries like raspberries and black currants. Fruity, with subtle oak and just a touch of peppery spice on the palate.

Where you can find it: You can find Grüvi Dry Red Blend at many popular retailers like Target, BevMo, Whole Foods.

Best food pairing with Grüvi Alcohol-Free Dry Red Blend: Spicy dishes: Grüvi’s subtle sweetness balances the heat of spicy foods like Thai curry or chili pepper. Yum.

Noughty Sparkling Chardonnay

Price: Under $30

Noughty Sparkling Chardonnay is a popular non-alcoholic sparkling wine, praised for its crisp, refreshing taste and elegant character. Thomson & Scott, a UK-based company specializing in high-quality non-alcoholic beverages, produces Noughty Sparkling Chardonnay.

Winning the “Silver Medal” at the 2022 International Wine Challenge, Noughty is for anyone who appreciates a delicious, bubbly wine. 

Alcohol Level: <.5%

Calories per serving: 14

Why we love Noughty Sparkling Chardonnay: It’s the little things that make this a great wine from the bottle to the authentic bubbles and flavor profile. You can’t tell it’s a non-alcoholic wine. This is really one of the best non-alcoholic sparkling wines I’ve tasted, ever.

Noughty Sparkling Chardonnay tasting notes: Light bubbles with aromas of apple, pear, and citrus. Crisp and refreshing palate with a touch of sweetness and a clean finish.

Where you can find it: Widely available online through retailers like Amazon, BevMo, and Drizly.

Best food pairing with Noughty Sparkling Chardonnay: Appetizers and canapés: Ideal for pairing with cheese, charcuterie, smoked salmon, or vegetable crudités. 

Fré

Price: Under $10

Alcohol Removed Fré is Sutter Home’s non-alcoholic line. Fruit for their alcohol-removed Chardonnay is from California’s marine-influenced vineyards, where cool breezes and fog allow the grapes to ripen slowly and evenly as they develop rich flavors. 

The wine is made and then the alcohol is removed using the spinning cone process of gently removing the alcohol while preserving the wine’s delicate aromas and flavors. 

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The spinning cone process is this: the wine is gently heated. Then as the cones/column spin, centrifugal force throws the wine film against the inner walls of the column. Science happens and the ethanol is carried out of the cone. The remaining liquid at the bottom of the column is the dealcoholized wine, now significantly lower in alcohol. Sometimes, the wine goes through a second time to remove even more alcohol. This technology is also used to extract specific aroma compounds from other food and beverage products like coffee, fruit juices, and tea. Science, eh?

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Alcohol Level: <.5%

Calories per serving: 70

Fré Chardonnay tasting notes: Lively tropical fruit aromas. Rich, creamy apple flavors mingle with crisp citrus notes on the palate and a tart finish.

Where you can find it: Widely available online through retailers like Amazon, Drizly, and most grocery stores.

Why we love Fré Chardonnay: We love that this wine is so available. While we probably wouldn’t chose to drink it on it’s own it was really nice with the quiche.

Best food pairing with Fré Chardonnay: We paired this wine with a feta tomato quiche and it was really nice.

Ariel Cabernet Sauvignon

Price: Under $30

Founded in the 1980s, Ariel Vineyards was one of the first wineries to specialize in dealcoholized wines using innovative methods. Ariel a Gold Medal at the 2016 Decanter World Wine Awards, the first ever awarded to a non-alcoholic wine, and consistently receives positive reviews.

Alcohol Level: <.5%

Calories per serving: 75

Ariel Cabernet Sauvignon tasting notes: A deep ruby color with aromas of black currant, cherries, and chocolate. Full-bodied and smooth on the palate with subtle oak tannins and a dry finish. To me, this reminded me of Sangria without the fruit. 

Where you can find it: Your local wine shop. Also, Amazon, Drizly, and Wine.com.

Why we love Ariel Cabernet Sauvignon: We actually liked it better the second day it was open. It had more body on day 2.

Best food pairing with Ariel Cabernet Sauvignon: Charcuterie board. Specifically, our salumi and brie.

Prima Pavé Blanc de Blancs

Price: Under $30

Boy oh boy, did we love this wine. Hands down the best non alcoholic sparkling wine we tasted. Prima Pavé Blanc de Blancs is a popular Italian-made non-alcoholic sparkling wine known for its elegant character and delicate flavors. Made in the heart of Italy’s Prosecco DOCG regions, utilizing expertise in sparkling wine production.

Prima Pavé uses a proprietary, all-natural method to remove alcohol while preserving the wine’s integrity and aromas. Probably the spinning cone method but they don’t say exactly.

Prima Pavé won a Silver Medal at the 2023 IWSC (International Wine & Spirit Competition), and earned 92 points from Wine Spectator (WHAT?!).

Alcohol Level: <.5%

Calories per serving: 27

Why we love Prima Pavé Blanc de Blancs:  They use hand-selected Italian grapes and focus on showcasing the regional character in each of their wines. Made with a blend of Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, and Gewürztraminer grapes hand-harvested from select vineyards in Northern Italy.

Prima Pavé Blanc de Blancs tasting notes: Very nice tiny bubbles that escaped and faded quickly. Aromas of peach, green apple, and honeydew. On the palate, it has nice minerality and a dry finish.

Where you can find it: Online only

Best food pairing with Prima Pavé Blanc de Blancs: We paired ours with Cacio e Pepe and is was perfect.

Prima Pavé Blanc de Blancs was the best non-alcoholic sparkling wine we tasted.

Luminara

Price: Under $30

Luminara is made in Napa Valley, California. Their grapes are sourced exclusively from Napa Valley vineyards. They make two wines, Chardonnay and a red blend. We tasted the Red Blend which is made from a varietal blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Petite Sirah.

They won Gold Medal & 92 Points for Chardonnay at the 2023 International Wine & Spirits Competition, Best Non-Alcoholic Red Wine for Red Blend at the 2022 Dry January Awards, they have 4.19 out of 5 stars on Vivino (Chardonnay), and 3.3 out of 5 stars on Total Wine & More (Red Blend). Phew!

Alcohol Level: <.5%

Calories per serving: 90

Luminara tasting notes: Deep ruby color with bold aromas of black cherry, plum, and spice. Full-bodied palate with smooth (very light) tannins, notes of blackberry, cassis, and oak. 

Where you can find it: Amazon, and Total Wine

Why we love Luminara: It’s made from grapes of Napa Valley. You can smell Napa but we couldn’t really identify the region (Napa) when we drank it.

Best food pairing with Luminara:  We paired the Luminara Red Blend with grilled steak kabobs. Only S&P seasoning. Chef’s kiss!

Leitz Non-Alcoholic Wine 

Price: Under $30

Leitz, a renowned German winery from the Rheingau region, is known for their exceptional Rieslings and Pinot Noirs. But they also offer a fantastic range of non-alcoholic wines, crafted with the same dedication to quality and terroir expression.

Founded in 1849, Leitz has a rich history and deep understanding of the Rheingau terroir and is committed to organic viticulture and environmentally conscious practices.

Leitz non-alcoholic wines have garnered numerous accolades, including, Gold Medal & 92 Points for Eins Zwei Zero Riesling at the 2023 International Wine & Spirits Competition and Best Non-Alcoholic Sparkling Wine for Eins Zwei Zero Sparkling Riesling at the 2022 Dry January Awards

We tried the Eins Zwei Zero Riesling: A dry and refreshing Riesling with vibrant citrus notes, perfect for an aperitif or pairing with light dishes.

Alcohol Level: <.5%

Calories per serving: 37

Why we love Leitz Non-Alcoholic Eins Zwei Zero Riesling: 

Leitz Non-Alcoholic Eins Zwei Zero Riesling tasting notes: Pale yellow color with aromas of apple, pear, and lemon. Crisp and refreshing palate with a dry finish.

Where you can find it: Widely available online through retailers like Amazon, Drizly, and Wine.com

Best food pairing with Leitz Non-Alcoholic Eins Zwei Zero Riesling: The smoked trout dip was really amazing with the Eins Zwei Zero Riesling.

Surely Non-Alcoholic Wine

Price: Under $30 for a 4-pack

We tried Surely Sparkling Rosé. The rosé is lauded for its crisp, refreshing taste and dry finish. They are California-based sourcing grapes from sustainable vineyards in Sonoma County.

Their wines have consistently garnered accolades in non-alcoholic competitions such as Silver Medal at the 2022 International Wine & Spirit Competition and a Bronze Medal at the 2022 New York World Wine & Spirits Competition.

Surely non-alcoholic sparkling rosé is made with 100% Barbera grapes, a lesser-known Italian varietal known for its vibrant acidity and berry fruit notes. The specific vineyard source is not disclosed.

Alcohol Level: <.5%

Calories per serving: 20! SOLD!

Surely Sparkling Rosé tasting notes: Pale pink color with tiny bubbles (you’re welcome for that earworm) . Aromas of strawberries, pears, and hints of citrus. Dry and crisp on the palate with balanced acidity and a light, refreshing finish.

Where you can find it: Online. Amazon, The Zero Proof and Wine.com

Why we love Surely Sparkling Rosé: Unlike many sweet non-alcoholic wines, Surely Sparkling Rosé boasts a dry, crisp profile similar to a traditional Brut Rosé.

Best food pairing with Surely Sparkling Rosé: We paired our with a shrimp scampi (without the pasta because we had pasta with Prima Pavé Blanc de Blancs)

Why Should You Drink Non-Alcoholic Wines?

There are loads of reasons you would want to drink non-alcoholic wine. The number one reason to have it and to drink it is to be and feel inclusive. The worst thing is feeling left out.

If you’re having a dinner party you should absolutely have one at the ready just chillin in your wine fridge. Someone at the party might be pregnant or sober.

It might be a school night, you may have a big presentation the following day. You can also take a break, you know. No one will judge you if you show up and say “I need to dry out for a little while” and if they do, you’re not meant to be around them.

Ending on a happy note, we were so surprised at the depth, color and flavor profiles of all the non-alcoholic wines we tasted. Well, actually there was one in the group that we all agreed was not great, but we will keep it for juice in our Sangria.

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